Here at the Beer Newb, we love craft beer. Microbrews, brewpubs, and smaller breweries in recent years have helped to transform the culture of beer drinkers and the perception of those who drink beer. Years ago, only your uncle Ralph and frat boys would be caught drinking beer, those with "refined" tastes would stick to wine or fancy spirits. But today, the perception of the beer drinker is vastly different thanks to the craft brewing movement and increase in home brewing.

No longer does "American Beer" simply refer to mass produced, common denominator brews. American brewers now compete for the hearts of beer enthusiast with the big European names. Also important to the craft beer movement is the rise in beer manufacturing and shipping around the world, even in surprising places like Pakistan. As we all know, quality beer owes as much to the choice of ingredients as it does the brewer's process. With global exports and ingredient imports the range of flavors, aromas, and other taste elements is widened for the growing numbers of craft beer drinkers. Here in America, small craft breweries and brewpubs are starting to grow and gain wider distribution. Breweries like Stone or New Belgium may soon become just as well known as Sam Adams.

This week, we celebrate American Craft Beer Week. Craft breweries are gaining attention in America for good reason. After years of being subjected to a diminishing number of large commercial brews, Americans were crying out for flavor and originality. Where once you headed down to the ol' watering hole for whatever was on tap, there are now professionals who pair not wine, but beer, with gourmet fare. You can contribute to the growth of the craft beer movement this week by patronize your local brewpub or try a local specialty brew.

We encourage you to share your love of Craft Beer with all of your friends this week and to encourage them to try something new. It doesn't have to be exotic- it just has to be crafted. What ideas do you have to celebrate American Craft Beer Week? Let us know in the comments below, and don't wait until the weekend to start celebrating this holiday!

For more on American Craft Beer Week and other Craft Beer Resources, check out the following links:

• The official website for American Craft Beer Week
• Fan American Craft Beer Week on Facebook
• Get Beer News, Reviews, and Beer Newb Clues by following us on Facebook and Twitter
• Chicago Craft Beer Week Events and Information